(19)

(11)

EP 1 227 750 A2

(12)

(88) Date of publication A3: 30.05.2002 (43) Date of publication: 07.08.2002 Bulletin 2002/32 (21) Application number: 99947021.4 (22) Date of filing: 27.04.1999

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC)7: A61B 3/14 (86) International application number: PCT/US9909/116 (87) International publication number: WO 9955/216 (04.11.1999 Gazette 1999/44)

(84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE CH DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LI LU MC NL PT SE (30) Priority: 27.04.1998 US 83248 P (71) Applicant: Lai, Ming Dublin, CA 94568 (US)	(72) Inventor: Lai, Ming Dublin, CA 94568 (US) (74) Representative: Jackson, David Spence  REDDIE & GROSE16, Theobalds Road London, WC1X 8PL London, WC1X 8PL (GB)